They say, “Move fast and break things.” But what if the things you’re breaking are your customers’ trust, your product’s reputation, and your revenue? Software testing is the safety net that keeps your product from crashing and burning—literally and figuratively.
But let’s be real: building an in-house QA team is expensive, time-consuming, and often overkill for projects that need speed and flexibility. That’s where outsourcing software testing comes in. Imagine having elite testers on demand, ready to hunt down every bug before your users do—without blowing your budget. Sounds good? Keep reading to discover how much it costs when to outsource and the best practices to get it right.
Table of contents
- What is software testing outsourcing?
- Outsourcing software testing benefits
- Outsourcing software testing vs doing software testing in-house
- How much does it cost to outsource QA testing?
- Best practices for outsourcing software testing
- How can you outsource software testing?
- FAQs
- Ready to Explore Outsourcing?
- Bibliography
What is software testing outsourcing?
Outsourcing software testing means delegating the quality assurance (QA) process to external specialists or third-party organizations. These external teams test software applications for defects, security issues, performance bottlenecks, and user experience problems, ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.
Outsourcing software testing benefits
Several advantages stand out when analysing outsourcing software testing:
- Cost Savings – No need to hire, train, or maintain an in-house QA team. Outsourcing eliminates overhead costs related to salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.
- Access to Expertise – External testing firms have specialists in manual, automation, security, and performance testing with the latest tools and methodologies.
- Faster Time to Market – Dedicated QA teams work efficiently to shorten development cycles, leading to quicker product releases.
- Scalability & Flexibility – Outsourcing allows you to scale your testing efforts up or down based on project needs without long-term commitments.
- Unbiased Testing – External teams provide an objective perspective, spotting defects internal teams might overlook due to familiarity with the product.
Outsourcing software testing vs doing software testing in-house
When deciding between outsourcing QA and keeping it in-house, consider the following:
| Factor | In-House Testing | Outsourced Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (salaries, tools, training) | Lower, no infrastructure costs |
| Expertise | Limited to internal team skills | Access to global QA specialists |
| Scalability | Difficult, requires hiring | Flexible, scale up or down as needed |
| Time Efficiency | Slower due to multitasking | Faster turnaround from dedicated teams |
| Security | Full control over data and IP | Risk of data exposure (mitigated with NDAs) |
When should you outsource quality assurance testing?
Consider outsourcing QA if:
- You have tight deadlines and need faster software releases.
- Your team lacks specialized testing skills (e.g., security, automation).
- Your project is short-term, and hiring a full QA team isn’t practical.
- You need an unbiased, third-party perspective for better test coverage.
When should you not outsource quality assurance testing?
Outsourcing may not be ideal if:
- Your project requires real-time collaboration between developers and testers.
- You handle highly sensitive data, such as financial or healthcare records.
- Your company has a long-term, stable need for testing, making an in-house team more cost-effective.
How much does it cost to outsource QA testing?
The cost of outsourcing QA testing varies based on factors like project complexity, required testing types, and geographical location. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Manual Testing: $15 – $50 per hour
- Automation Testing: $25 – $75 per hour
- Security/Penetration Testing: $100+ per hour
For example, a startup outsourcing manual testing to Eastern Europe might spend $3,000–$6,000 monthly, while a large enterprise outsourcing security testing to the US could pay $10,000+ per engagement.
Best practices for outsourcing software testing
- Define Clear Objectives – Set clear goals, timelines, and expectations for testing.
- Choose the Right Partner – Look for vendors with proven expertise, certifications, and industry experience.
- Establish Effective Communication – Use Slack, Jira, or Trello to collaborate seamlessly.
- Ensure Data Security – Sign NDAs and data protection agreements with the outsourcing provider.
- Monitor Performance – Regularly review test results and KPIs to ensure high-quality delivery.
How can you outsource software testing?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to outsourcing QA testing effectively:
- Assess Your Testing Needs – Determine the type and scope of testing required.
- Find Reliable Vendors – Research and shortlist QA providers with relevant experience.
- Evaluate Proposals – Compare pricing, expertise, and service offerings.
- Sign Contracts & NDAs – Protect your intellectual property and define deliverables.
- Start with a Pilot Project – Test the vendor’s efficiency before committing long-term.
- Monitor Progress – Use performance reports to track progress and ensure quality.
Pro Tip: If you need long-term QA → Hire a dedicated offshore team. Suppose you need on-demand testing for a short project → Choose a managed testing service.
FAQs
What is outsourcing software testing?
Outsourcing software testing means hiring an external team to conduct quality assurance testing on your software applications. This allows businesses to reduce costs, access specialized expertise, and improve software quality.
How much does QA testing cost?
QA testing costs depend on factors like project scope and vendor location. Manual testing can cost $15–$50 per hour, while automation or security testing can range from $25–$100+ per hour.
What is offshore software testing?
Offshore software testing is when a company outsources QA testing to a team located in a different country, often for cost savings and access to skilled talent. However, managing time zone differences and ensuring data security are key challenges.
What’s the difference between outsourcing and offshoring software testing?
Outsourcing refers to delegating software testing to an external provider, local or overseas. Offshoring specifically means outsourcing to a company in another country, often for lower costs.
What is offshore software testing?
Offshore software testing is when a company outsources QA testing to a team located in a different country, often for cost savings and access to skilled talent. However, managing time zone differences and ensuring data security are key challenges.
How do I choose the right QA outsourcing partner?
Look for experience, certifications (like ISTQB), client reviews, and industry expertise. Always start with a pilot project before committing to a long-term contract.
Ready to Explore Outsourcing?
Bugs and crashes cost you customers and revenue. Our outsourced software software testing services help you deliver flawless software faster and cost-effectively. Contact us today, and let’s ensure your software is bug-free and market-ready!
